SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2003
Contact: Jean Wasp, Media Relations, (707) 664-2057
SSU Senior Named Miss California USA, Wants to be a School Principal
A 21-year old senior from Sonoma State University has been crowned the 53rd Miss California USA.
Ellen Chapman, a resident of San Jose who currently lives in Rohnert Park, earned her crown at the annual state pageant held recently in Fresno.
In December, the brown-eyed brunette, 5’ 10”, will receive her bachelor’s degree in American Multi-Cultural Studies from SSU. She is also completing requirements for her elementary teaching credential. Ultimately she hopes to be a school principal.
Chapman was selected as a Community Services advisor for 56 SSU freshman. She is the social chair for her sorority and has participated in extensive leadership training. Chapman is on the SSU Dean’s List, is a California Scholarship Federation Life Member and has received a Chancellor’s Quest for Excellence Award.
Researching and applying time management techniques have aided Chapman to achieve her academic and personal goals, she says, and has caused her to set priorities.
When asked where she would like to be as a VIP, in history or in the future, she replied, “I would be at Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech—to hear and feel the power in that moment in time and to witness the world on the verge of change”.
As Miss California USA, Chapman won her expenses to the national pageant, signature pendant, diamond crown ring, competition wardrobe and $5,000 cash.
The Miss USA Pageant will be produced in a live telecast on NBC in March and Chapman will be California’s official state representative. She entered the state pageant as Miss San Francisco Bay Area USA.
Chapman will travel across the state promoting Breast Cancer Awareness, the Miss USA Pageant’s official charity. She will also appear as a spokesperson around the country for Sun-Maid Growers of California, promoting the company’s raisin products as healthy snack food for children and adults.
The Miss California USA pageant is produced annually and concurrently with the Miss California Teen USA pageant.
Ellen is the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Chapman. Her siblings are Sarah, 19, and Daniel, 23.
NOTE: A digital photo of Ellen Chapman is available upon request.